“I STARTED fostering by accident - the staff at the Halifax branch knew me and asked if I fancied giving it a try. I’ve kept dogs for about 30 years, but didn’t really want to be tied to another dog, when my last dog died. I thought fostering would be ideal for companionship in retirement, having more time to spend with a dog and also getting out and about.”

Lesley Lomas, an animal fosterer for the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District branch, talks about the rewards it brings and why she thinks others should consider becoming a fosterer for the charity.

She is currently caring for 15-year-old terrier Ruby, who is looking for a forever home.

“I’ve been fostering for a few years now and I think the best thing for me about fostering is companionship and walking,” she says. “During lockdown, having Ruby, and Candy - the dog I fostered before Ruby, really helped me, it’s a two-way thing.”

It is important to give a dog time to settle with a fosterer, she explains. “Ruby was quite frightened and timid when I first met her and it’s taken a long time for her to settle and for her real character to shine through,” says Lesley. “She’s a typical Jack Russell and quite feisty and stubborn at times.

“I know what she likes and doesn’t like. Our walks are determined by her and she will refuse to go any further if she’s decided it’s time to go home. Ruby loves to play and chase a Kong toy, balls and tug toys. I’ve had Ruby for more than a year -the longest time I’ve had any foster dog. She’s such a lovely girl and will make a great companion for someone.”

Lesley adds: When you foster, you are giving your time, as the RSPCA provide absolutely everything from toys, food, bedding, medication and support.

“It’s rewarding in that you can turn a dog around from a quiet, sad, depressed animal into a happy dog ready for a new home. You feel that you have done a good job. It is hard to hand the dogs over to a new owner, but it’s great to know they are going to a new, loving home.

"I would highly recommend fostering, as it’s very rewarding for all concerned. Once the dog has found a new home, you can have a break until another dog arrives for some love and support.”

*The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District is currently appealing for new foster carers to come forward and open their hearts and homes to the animals in their care.

The local and self-funded rehoming centre is looking for people who would like to offer a safe environment to care for cats, dogs or small animals who may find shelter-life particularly difficult. If you can offer some foster care - from days, weeks or months - fill in a Foster Application Form on the charity’s website or contact the Animal Centre directly for more information on 01422 365628 or email enquiries@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk.

Ruby is still looking for her forever home and can be adopted on the Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme, which has many great adopter benefits. If you would like to find out more about Ruby or simply adopting in general, visit: rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk. You can also find out about volunteering, donating, sponsoring an animal and the many other ways to support your local RSPCA centre and the cats, dogs, and small animals in their care.

The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District Branch is a self-funding branch of the national RSPCA, responsible for raising money locally to support its animal welfare work.

This year the branch has rehomed 24 dogs, 54 cats and 21 small animals. Its main aim is to rehabilitate unwanted, abandoned and abused animals and find them loving, permanent homes. The centre relies on public donations and the generosity of the local community to keep the doors of the animal centre open.